Whether you prefer to play lottery online or go old school at a brick and mortar store, the Laos national lottery is big business. Though it may not be as famous as those in the United States or Australia, it has a large following among gamblers and is a popular way to spend your money. In addition, a portion of the proceeds go toward local charities. However, the lottery is also known for its controversies over mismanagement and corruption. In particular, the state-owned company that runs the lottery has been accused of rigging its games.
In a country that is still Communist, the rigged lottery has raised questions over the government’s ethics. The winning numbers in the thrice weekly lottery drawings seem to change on their own, sometimes disappearing from purchased tickets before the next drawing. For example, on Oct. 14 the number 509 vanished from tickets sold throughout the day. This number is associated with the buffalo, a lucky symbol in Lao culture. However, it was later restored to the list of winning numbers after the drawing.
Other suspicious numbers have raised doubts about the fairness of the lottery. For instance, the number 67 appeared in the winning numbers for three consecutive drawings at the end of September. This number is associated with the turtle, which brings bad luck to gamblers, so few people would pick it based on their good fortune. However, the number was eventually restored to the list of winning numbers after a public outcry.
Another concern has been the weight of lottery balls. It is alleged that the heavier balls drop into the hole more quickly than other balls, thus reducing the chance of a winner. A Finance Ministry official on the committee that oversees the lottery says changes have been made to address these concerns.
Private business interests with a stake in the lottery are not disclosed, and it is not clear how much these companies pay the government for its annual concession. In addition, some of these business interests are linked to the ruling elite. The lottery has become a battleground for the country’s political leaders and their family members.